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Viking Chat => Viking Chat => Topic started by: Scooter on April 16, 2025, 11:49:39 am

Title: Luke Molyneux
Post by: Scooter on April 16, 2025, 11:49:39 am
Has been shortlisted for league 2 player of the season
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: drfchound on April 16, 2025, 11:52:00 am
No way, he is absolute garbage.
Well, he is according to a bloke in the row behind me at the Eco Stadium.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: Scooter on April 16, 2025, 11:53:30 am
Up against Michael Cheek and Nathan Lowe - who only played half a season in league two. I think Mols might win it
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: Butchers Red on April 16, 2025, 11:57:40 am
And would probably deserve it, the lads work rate, energy and commitment is simply brilliant, despite being double marked game after game he carries the main threat for us and his goal return for a winger is right up there.

He also takes a lot of big hits, just gets up and on with it - seemingly never injured either and is fully committed to our club.

Yes, he could and maybe should have even more goals but for heavens sake if his conversion rate was even 50% better he would have been plying his trade in the Championship or even Premier for the last 5 years - I reckon he's a better all round player than Lewis Keane Potter who Grant worked with at Hull in Lge 1 whose now at Brentford.

Well done Luke, now go and end the season with a flourish and keep believing.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: NickDRFC on April 16, 2025, 12:14:47 pm
And would probably deserve it, the lads work rate, energy and commitment is simply brilliant, despite being double marked game after game he carries the main threat for us and his goal return for a winger is right up there.

He also takes a lot of big hits, just gets up and on with it - seemingly never injured either and is fully committed to our club.

Yes, he could and maybe should have even more goals but for heavens sake if his conversion rate was even 50% better he would have been plying his trade in the Championship or even Premier for the last 5 years - I reckon he's a better all round player than Lewis Keane Potter who Grant worked with at Hull in Lge 1 whose now at Brentford.

Well done Luke, now go and end the season with a flourish and keep believing.

Hang on, do you genuinely believe that Luke Molyneux (has never played higher than League Two) is a better player than Keane Lewis-Potter (started all but 2 of Brentford’s Premier League games this season)?
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: adamtherover on April 16, 2025, 12:36:19 pm
great player but would be even better if he doesnt insist time after time to go for the hollywood shot when rob street is unmarked at the back post?
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: oggycompton on April 16, 2025, 12:57:06 pm
Well deserved
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: Pancho Regan on April 16, 2025, 12:58:24 pm
No way, he is absolute garbage.
Well, he is according to a bloke in the row behind me at the Eco Stadium.

I had a gang of three idiots near me who constantly slagged Moly off at the Morecambe away game hound.
I really could not believe it.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: In the box on April 16, 2025, 01:58:10 pm
Has been shortlisted for league 2 player of the season
He's gone up a level and I’d be surprised if someone doesn’t make a good bid ..
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: DRFCSouth on April 16, 2025, 02:02:41 pm
Well deserved nomination. An absolute asset to the club.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: JonWallsend on April 16, 2025, 02:10:30 pm
great player but would be even better if he doesnt insist time after time to go for the hollywood shot when rob street is unmarked at the back post?

Street is great at throwing  his arms up in exasperation, after Gibson or Molyneux  have chosen to shoot when he's  perceives he was unmarked for a far post tap in. The reality is that in the split second it takes to make a decision, Street wasn't  available  but he's arrived in the space 2 seconds after the ball  has gone out making it look like he was an option.
He's got to make that gamble earlier
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: Thorney on April 16, 2025, 03:47:50 pm
Cant get over the amount of people that claim Luke was going for the hollywood shot, trying to do it all on his own.

Not that long ago people complained that we didnt shoot enough and that we tried too many passes when they had a chance to hit 1.

Cannot win either way
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: sedwardsdrfc on April 16, 2025, 03:49:25 pm
We’d be mid table without him. Hope he gets it and I’m glad we signed him up longer so we get a pay day if he leaves. Don’t think he’ll be going anywhere through
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: pib on April 16, 2025, 03:49:59 pm
He's desperate to win games for us. We could do with more trying to do the same. At least he's trying to take games by the scruff of the neck and not let them just drift by.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: Thorney on April 16, 2025, 03:51:31 pm
No way, he is absolute garbage.
Well, he is according to a bloke in the row behind me at the Eco Stadium.

I had a gang of three idiots near me who constantly slagged Moly off at the Morecambe away game hound.
I really could not believe it.

And its these type of people that shout criticisim at every opportunity that will force our best players to not renew their contracts when due. Instead leave on a free knowing that they will easily pick up another club
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: drfchound on April 16, 2025, 08:56:35 pm
great player but would be even better if he doesnt insist time after time to go for the hollywood shot when rob street is unmarked at the back post?

Street is great at throwing  his arms up in exasperation, after Gibson or Molyneux  have chosen to shoot when he's  perceives he was unmarked for a far post tap in. The reality is that in the split second it takes to make a decision, Street wasn't  available  but he's arrived in the space 2 seconds after the ball  has gone out making it look like he was an option.
He's got to make that gamble earlier

It’s what strikers do Jon.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: Prez on April 18, 2025, 05:06:24 pm
Has to be nailed on for league 2 player of the season
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: Cramby10 on April 18, 2025, 05:09:06 pm
We’d be f**ked without him. He’s immense
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: jmt23 on April 18, 2025, 05:17:04 pm
He is immense at this level, but I’m not sure he’s been in form for a few weeks, certainly not firing on all cylinders, which is frightening to think what he would achieve if he was really in form!
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: Chris Black come back on April 18, 2025, 05:19:50 pm
First away goal since Chesterfield on 6 February.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: DonnyOsmond on April 18, 2025, 05:23:03 pm
4 off his goals/assists target of 30.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: steve@dcfd on April 18, 2025, 05:27:28 pm
With his reputation and skill he’s doubled marked all game but today he got his first hatrick in league football.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: philsky on April 18, 2025, 07:57:20 pm
We’d be f**ked without him. He’s immense

This 100%
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: Sven Vath on April 18, 2025, 08:48:07 pm
We’d be f**ked without him. He’s immense

This 100%

His work off the ball is as important as the goals.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: dknward2 on April 18, 2025, 08:52:35 pm
Been mentioned elsewhere but after his 3rd he was back defending to help the team keep a clean sheet, a real team player and also a real team display.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: Ian Nimmo on April 18, 2025, 10:10:55 pm
Totally agree his work rate for the team is tremendous, just so pleased for him for his total performance today.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: Usher wide. on April 18, 2025, 10:41:36 pm
He’s stated that he wants to be like Copps, regarded as a legend for Doncaster Rovers when he signed a 3 year deal before the season began.

Keep going Mols….it’s not an impossible dream.

Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: andysly on April 18, 2025, 10:45:14 pm
I hope he does do the same as Copps, and also drag us back to the Championship again, if only for one swing at it.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: RoverinLincs on April 19, 2025, 08:15:52 am
Moly is our new Ben Whiteman

Our talisman
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: mushRTID on April 19, 2025, 08:17:16 am
Hopefully not but you’ve got to feel a decent bid or two is going to arrive this summer.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: Pancho Regan on April 19, 2025, 08:20:59 am
Now moved up to 5th in the League 2 goal scorers chart.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: RobTheRover on April 19, 2025, 08:29:06 am
Did anyone back him to be L2 top scorer at 100/1?

I took him each way and they pay out on top 4. Another goal and he goes joint 2nd behind Cheek. Can't see Nathan Lowe (one in front of him) getting another so a top 3 goalscorer status is definitely on the cards.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: drfchound on April 19, 2025, 08:33:28 am
Did anyone back him to be L2 top scorer at 100/1?

I took him each way and they pay out on top 4. Another goal and he goes joint 2nd behind Cheek. Can't see Nathan Lowe (one in front of him) getting another so a top 3 goalscorer status is definitely on the cards.

Nice Rob, 100/1 is terrific value.
I’m guessing you will be wanting him to shoot a lot more in the next three matches.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: philsky on April 19, 2025, 08:55:02 am
The penalty showed his confidence right now.

Just straight down the middle.

No bother.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: philsky on April 19, 2025, 08:55:43 am
Did anyone back him to be L2 top scorer at 100/1?

I took him each way and they pay out on top 4. Another goal and he goes joint 2nd behind Cheek. Can't see Nathan Lowe (one in front of him) getting another so a top 3 goalscorer status is definitely on the cards.

Wowsers !
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: NickDRFC on April 19, 2025, 09:02:06 am
Did anyone back him to be L2 top scorer at 100/1?

I took him each way and they pay out on top 4. Another goal and he goes joint 2nd behind Cheek. Can't see Nathan Lowe (one in front of him) getting another so a top 3 goalscorer status is definitely on the cards.

Nice Rob, 100/1 is terrific value.
I’m guessing you will be wanting him to shoot a lot more in the next three matches.

And hoping that Ironside/Sharp won’t be on the pitch if we get another penalty.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: RobTheRover on April 19, 2025, 09:03:59 am
Did anyone back him to be L2 top scorer at 100/1?

I took him each way and they pay out on top 4. Another goal and he goes joint 2nd behind Cheek. Can't see Nathan Lowe (one in front of him) getting another so a top 3 goalscorer status is definitely on the cards.

Nice Rob, 100/1 is terrific value.
I’m guessing you will be wanting him to shoot a lot more in the next three matches.

To be fair, hound, he can shoot straight from the kick off for me.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: Chris Black come back on April 19, 2025, 09:46:44 am
He has had a very good season, certainly. His return in particular has been exceptional.

While I think that McIndoe made a comparatively bigger impact in the 2003 / 04 promotion season, it is interesting that in his 45 appearances that season, McIndoe scored 10 league goals. Molyenux in his 42 league appearances has already scored 16 league goals this season.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: drfcsteve on April 19, 2025, 09:52:29 am
16 goals and 10 assists from out wide are numbers other clubs can’t ignore. I’m certain we’ll get bids in for him. What amount do you think the club would accept?
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: Butchers Red on April 19, 2025, 09:53:12 am
Did anyone back him to be L2 top scorer at 100/1?

I took him each way and they pay out on top 4. Another goal and he goes joint 2nd behind Cheek. Can't see Nathan Lowe (one in front of him) getting another so a top 3 goalscorer status is definitely on the cards.

I did at 100/1

Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: NickDRFC on April 19, 2025, 10:01:19 am
He has had a very good season, certainly. His return in particular has been exceptional.

While I think that McIndoe made a comparatively bigger impact in the 2003 / 04 promotion season, it is interesting that in his 45 appearances that season, McIndoe scored 10 league goals. Molyenux in his 42 league appearances has already scored 16 league goals this season.

As exceptional as he was that season (and for us in general), it feels like we’re more reliant on Moly now than we were on Macca then. Goals from everywhere in that team (4 or was it even 5 with double figures?) and a very mean defence to go along with it.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: Ian Nimmo on April 19, 2025, 10:32:52 am
I am confident if we get promoted he will stay with us.
The real problem will be if a championship club take a punt, financially the lad won’t be able to turn it down.

Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: dickos1 on April 19, 2025, 10:41:28 am
What do we think we’d accept?
£1m?
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: philsky on April 19, 2025, 10:43:41 am
I am confident if we get promoted he will stay with us.
The real problem will be if a championship club take a punt, financially the lad won’t be able to turn it down.



Tricky one. Macca ran a couple of premier league defences ragged and was central to everything we did going forward. Last out of the tunnel at BV to huge relief each home match.

I think Moly has a similar profile in terms of importance to the team and his overall contribution is remarkable.

Their resilience has to be admired given the stick they get / got and both have that x-factor which forces teams to double up against them.

Hard to split.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on April 19, 2025, 12:59:58 pm
I'm trying to think of any other season in all my time watching the Rovers where one individual has been so key to our fortunes. And I'm not coming up with anything.

I get the argument for McIndoe in 03/04, but he was the final piece in the jigsaw. He turned a side that had bags of potential into absolute dominators. There were goals all through that side even without him. Blundell, Fortune-West, Brown, Akinfenwa and Green between them scored over 50 league goals in about 120 starts.

Take Molyneux out of this side and I'm struggling to see us having options for hurting opponents.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: Chris Black come back on April 19, 2025, 01:03:59 pm
Mike Jeffrey in 1991/92 kept us up.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: IDM on April 19, 2025, 01:29:05 pm
I'm trying to think of any other season in all my time watching the Rovers where one individual has been so key to our fortunes. And I'm not coming up with anything.

I get the argument for McIndoe in 03/04, but he was the final piece in the jigsaw. He turned a side that had bags of potential into absolute dominators. There were goals all through that side even without him. Blundell, Fortune-West, Brown, Akinfenwa and Green between them scored over 50 league goals in about 120 starts.

Take Molyneux out of this side and I'm struggling to see us having options for hurting opponents.

Rob Jones, 2012/13.?
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: selby on April 19, 2025, 01:39:35 pm
  As a matter of interest Billy, how many of the present side would have got into that side or others that have won promotion for us, my friend and I discussed this over a pint the other night and both agreed, individually this is the worst side we have got promotion with if we do go up, and very few if any would have got games regular in those sides. Even went back to Colin Grainger and Alan Finney in the first 4th division winning side and couldn't find a place for Molineux both top players although past their best.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: Chris Black come back on April 19, 2025, 01:42:01 pm
That 2012/13 side was in many respects quite suspect. Jones, Copps, Brown and Cotterill carried a lot that season.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: Scooter on April 19, 2025, 01:48:01 pm
First one that jumps to mind comparing now with 2013 - I’d have Sterry ahead of Paul Quinn
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on April 19, 2025, 02:01:39 pm
I'm trying to think of any other season in all my time watching the Rovers where one individual has been so key to our fortunes. And I'm not coming up with anything.

I get the argument for McIndoe in 03/04, but he was the final piece in the jigsaw. He turned a side that had bags of potential into absolute dominators. There were goals all through that side even without him. Blundell, Fortune-West, Brown, Akinfenwa and Green between them scored over 50 league goals in about 120 starts.

Take Molyneux out of this side and I'm struggling to see us having options for hurting opponents.

Rob Jones, 2012/13.?

Yeah, the team was built in his image. But he was the Capo di Tutti Capi Mester in a team full of Mesters.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: philsky on April 19, 2025, 02:18:11 pm
I'm trying to think of any other season in all my time watching the Rovers where one individual has been so key to our fortunes. And I'm not coming up with anything.

I get the argument for McIndoe in 03/04, but he was the final piece in the jigsaw. He turned a side that had bags of potential into absolute dominators. There were goals all through that side even without him. Blundell, Fortune-West, Brown, Akinfenwa and Green between them scored over 50 league goals in about 120 starts.

Take Molyneux out of this side and I'm struggling to see us having options for hurting opponents.

Rob Jones, 2012/13.?

Yeah, the team was built in his image. But he was the Capo di Tutti Capi Mester in a team full of Mesters.


Jones scored a last minute winner away at Stevenage in his typical style - barnstorming his way to head home.

Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on April 19, 2025, 02:18:39 pm
  As a matter of interest Billy, how many of the present side would have got into that side or others that have won promotion for us, my friend and I discussed this over a pint the other night and both agreed, individually this is the worst side we have got promotion with if we do go up, and very few if any would have got games regular in those sides. Even went back to Colin Grainger and Alan Finney in the first 4th division winning side and couldn't find a place for Molineux both top players although past their best.

As ever, it depends on the precise question.

If you're talking about the quality of players relative to the standards of the era in which they played/are playing, then yes I think this one is very thin.

Molyneux would get into any of the Tier 4 promotion sides I've seen without a doubt. Sterry would get into most. Street would be on the edge of some of them. Maxwell on top form and Olowu. Nobody else would be close.


If you're talking about absolute standards, I'll do my usual thing. If you took that 03/04 side at the top of their game and played them against the side we put out yesterday, they would be lucky to have 10% possession. And anyone who doesn't agree is welcome to watch the video of the legendary 2004 match at Field Mill, and reflect on what would happen to a side today that regularly hoyed the ball into the stratosphere over their shoulders. My take is they'd be lucky to get away with 5-0.

If you played the 80/81 side as it was then against yesterday's side, it would be double figures before half time.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: DonnyBazR0ver on April 19, 2025, 02:29:21 pm
16 goals and 10 assists from out wide are numbers other clubs can’t ignore. I’m certain we’ll get bids in for him. What amount do you think the club would accept?

Depends what release value is in his contract. He nay also have a promotion clause so he might be due a pay rise.

For Moly to re-sign last summer, these are important details that would have been negotiated. Likely the trigger value isn't silly money, but offset with a decent sell on clause. Any fee over the min value would only increase if there was bidding war.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on April 19, 2025, 02:41:53 pm
Actually, Bailey would have a good shout in place of Ravenhill 03/04 or Kowalski 83/84.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: selby on April 19, 2025, 02:55:45 pm
 CBcb I will give you those four and raise you Neil Sullivan, Martin Woods, John Lundsrum, Tommy Spurr, James Husband, Paul Keegan, David Syers reserve keepeer John Maxted all would get a game in this current squad the left backs especially and the mid fielders Sullivan and Spurr were massive for us and Lundstrum went on to a great career,
  Add your four and that's not a small part of the present squad  who would be sat watching mostly.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: Surrey Rover on April 19, 2025, 03:19:34 pm
I'm trying to think of any other season in all my time watching the Rovers where one individual has been so key to our fortunes. And I'm not coming up with anything.

I get the argument for McIndoe in 03/04, but he was the final piece in the jigsaw. He turned a side that had bags of potential into absolute dominators. There were goals all through that side even without him. Blundell, Fortune-West, Brown, Akinfenwa and Green between them scored over 50 league goals in about 120 starts.

Take Molyneux out of this side and I'm struggling to see us having options for hurting opponents.
Neil Redfern scored 14 goals from midfield in season 1986/87 without which they would definitely have been relegated.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: GazLaz on April 19, 2025, 03:34:33 pm
What do we think we’d accept?
£1m?

Getting a million pound bid for him is impossible. Hes worth nowhere near that.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: philsky on April 19, 2025, 03:38:18 pm
What do we think we’d accept?
£1m?

Getting a million pound bid for him is impossible. Hes worth nowhere near that.

Probably not but worth a small fortune to us
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: GazLaz on April 19, 2025, 03:41:27 pm
What do we think we’d accept?
£1m?

Getting a million pound bid for him is impossible. Hes worth nowhere near that.

Probably not but worth a small fortune to us

If we got offered £500k we’d have to consider it in a rational world….. but… developing… selling… having a food strike rate recruiting replacements.. isn’t our business model is it so not sure what I’d do.

We will probably keep him till his form goes then wish we’d have sold him!
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: dickos1 on April 19, 2025, 03:44:05 pm
Best player in league 2, just entering his prime. I think it would be close to 1m
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: GazLaz on April 19, 2025, 03:47:51 pm
Best player in league 2, just entering his prime. I think it would be close to 1m

Similar output to Will Evens that went to Mansfield in the summer. 20+ goals and similar age. 200k.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: Copps is Magic on April 19, 2025, 03:50:51 pm
1 million wouldn't make a difference to the finances unfortunately. That'd be a small percentage of the wages for one year. Better off keeping him.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: GazLaz on April 19, 2025, 03:53:29 pm
1 million wouldn't make a difference to the finances unfortunately. That'd be a small percentage of the wages for one year. Better off keeping him.

1m is about 20% of turnover! That’s a huge amount.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: dickos1 on April 19, 2025, 04:03:42 pm
Best player in league 2, just entering his prime. I think it would be close to 1m

Similar output to Will Evens that went to Mansfield in the summer. 20+ goals and similar age. 200k.

Might be similar in age
But he’d only ever played 90 league games and scored 23 goals
Molyneux has played around 200 league games and scored double those goals.
Much more experienced
There is no way on this planet we would be selling him for 200k no chance
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: GazLaz on April 19, 2025, 04:12:36 pm
Best player in league 2, just entering his prime. I think it would be close to 1m

Similar output to Will Evens that went to Mansfield in the summer. 20+ goals and similar age. 200k.

Might be similar in age
But he’d only ever played 90 league games and scored 23 goals
Molyneux has played around 200 league games and scored double those goals.
Much more experienced
There is no way on this planet we would be selling him for 200k no chance


Whatever anyone thinks and says, Mols is over performing his underlying numbers. Most clubs are smart enough to recognise this these days. That will put them off paying over the odds. He’s not athletic enough and he’s not good enough off the ball (this is me with my scouts head on btw, especially if someone told me they were spending a million on him). I don’t think he will want to leave if we go up.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: Sprotyrover on April 19, 2025, 04:18:29 pm
I hope he doesn’t want to leave!
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: Copps is Magic on April 19, 2025, 04:24:04 pm
1 million wouldn't make a difference to the finances unfortunately. That'd be a small percentage of the wages for one year. Better off keeping him.

1m is about 20% of turnover! That’s a huge amount.

Exactly. It would be momentary relief to one year's annual turnover.

Longer term it's just not worth selling your (by far and away) best player, in his prime, for a figure that doesn't really make long term sense for the club's finances. Especially when we don't exactly have the most sophisticated youth setup to replace him. (If he himself was younger then situation would be different).

You can quite easily calculate the effects on the playing side - because we'd be an average league two side without him. Now translate that into revenue, and I'm sure even after a short period of time pushing our luck at the higher end of league one would miles better financially.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: GazLaz on April 19, 2025, 04:38:42 pm
1 million wouldn't make a difference to the finances unfortunately. That'd be a small percentage of the wages for one year. Better off keeping him.

1m is about 20% of turnover! That’s a huge amount.

Exactly. It would be momentary relief to one year's annual turnover.

Longer term it's just not worth selling your (by far and away) best player, in his prime, for a figure that doesn't really make long term sense for the club's finances. Especially when we don't exactly have the most sophisticated youth setup to replace him. (If he himself was younger then situation would be different).

You can quite easily calculate the effects on the playing side - because we'd be an average league two side without him. Now translate that into revenue, and I'm sure even after a short period of time pushing our luck at the higher end of league one would miles better financially.

Say we sell him with two years left on his deal. That’s £500k per year. His contribution doesn’t equate to that return.

It’s all about value and there is more value in getting £1m for LM than there is keeping him. That’s for sure.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: DonnyBazR0ver on April 19, 2025, 04:39:53 pm
At 27 he's maybe one chance at a money move. He signed a 3 year contract so has 2 left and @ say £4k per week(guess), we're looking at £400k, to compensate for his loss. I'd say the very most we'd be talking is £500k but as I said, depends what value was negotiated into his contract as a release clause, who knows?
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: jmt23 on April 19, 2025, 04:41:31 pm
The team and tactics are built around him, and the reason no one else really gets a chance to shine. (Poor choice of words as they do, but I’m sure you know what I mean)
If we had wingers on their correct footed side, we would see more creation of chances for the forwards and certainly better crossing of the ball.
We are lucky to have him, both Everton and CPalace doubled even tripled up on him, that should be enough to say he is a talented threat taken seriously by some of the best.

If Street was worth £3-400,000 Molly is certainly worth £5-750,000.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: Avsuptem on April 19, 2025, 04:44:19 pm
Best player in league 2, just entering his prime. I think it would be close to 1m

Similar output to Will Evens that went to Mansfield in the summer. 20+ goals and similar age. 200k.

Might be similar in age
But he’d only ever played 90 league games and scored 23 goals
Molyneux has played around 200 league games and scored double those goals.
Much more experienced
There is no way on this planet we would be selling him for 200k no chance


Whatever anyone thinks and says, Mols is over performing his underlying numbers. Most clubs are smart enough to recognise this these days. That will put them off paying over the odds. He’s not athletic enough and he’s not good enough off the ball (this is me with my scouts head on btw, especially if someone told me they were spending a million on him). I don’t think he will want to leave if we go up.

Must say I am surprised to read that his stats do not support his evident ability. Yesterday v Tranmere he was here there and every blooming where which is not indicative of poor movement off the ball. He is head and shoulders above anyone in League 2 in terms of his influence on matches. He even influences games when he is not influencing games, by needing 2 or 3 defenders on him at any one time.
Some players have an ability above and beyond the norm. I strongly suspect that the likes of Bobby Moore and Franz Bekenbaur over performed their underlying numbers.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: big fat yorkshire pudding on April 19, 2025, 04:46:23 pm
1 million wouldn't make a difference to the finances unfortunately. That'd be a small percentage of the wages for one year. Better off keeping him.

1m is about 20% of turnover! That’s a huge amount.

Exactly. It would be momentary relief to one year's annual turnover.

Longer term it's just not worth selling your (by far and away) best player, in his prime, for a figure that doesn't really make long term sense for the club's finances. Especially when we don't exactly have the most sophisticated youth setup to replace him. (If he himself was younger then situation would be different).

You can quite easily calculate the effects on the playing side - because we'd be an average league two side without him. Now translate that into revenue, and I'm sure even after a short period of time pushing our luck at the higher end of league one would miles better financially.

Say we sell him with two years left on his deal. That’s £500k per year. His contribution doesn’t equate to that return.

It’s all about value and there is more value in getting £1m for LM than there is keeping him. That’s for sure.

Is there though? In modern football selling one player isn't going to get invested. Whilst the owner is putting a few million in he's not going to say he'll put the same few million in and you can spend the fee received.  So on that vein what's the point selling your best player? Equally who is going to offer much money that's going to make much difference? The only way he leaves is if he wants to.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: dickos1 on April 19, 2025, 04:59:25 pm
Best player in league 2, just entering his prime. I think it would be close to 1m

Similar output to Will Evens that went to Mansfield in the summer. 20+ goals and similar age. 200k.

Might be similar in age
But he’d only ever played 90 league games and scored 23 goals
Molyneux has played around 200 league games and scored double those goals.
Much more experienced
There is no way on this planet we would be selling him for 200k no chance


Whatever anyone thinks and says, Mols is over performing his underlying numbers. Most clubs are smart enough to recognise this these days. That will put them off paying over the odds. He’s not athletic enough and he’s not good enough off the ball (this is me with my scouts head on btw, especially if someone told me they were spending a million on him). I don’t think he will want to leave if we go up.

He’s been over-performing for well over a year now at what stage does that become his underlying number
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: DonnyBazR0ver on April 19, 2025, 05:07:44 pm
Just an example of another player we knew well who was in demand...

"May joined Charlton Athletic on a two-year contract with the option to extend for a further 12 months. Charlton paid Cheltenham a reported fee in the region of £250,000"

At that time Charlton were bidding with Gillingham. Whilst at Charlton, Birmingham were bidding with Huddersfield for him. Fee bumped up to around £750k.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: grayx on April 19, 2025, 05:14:34 pm
I think molls is better at being “ the big fish in a small pond”.
Not sure a move would benefit him tbh, he’s shining in an average team in my opinion.
If a big money offer came in i wouldnt fault him or the club taking it.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: dickos1 on April 19, 2025, 05:32:11 pm
I think molls is better at being “ the big fish in a small pond”.
Not sure a move would benefit him tbh, he’s shining in an average team in my opinion.
If a big money offer came in i wouldnt fault him or the club taking it.

“Average team” ha ha
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: idler on April 19, 2025, 07:25:26 pm
I'm trying to think of any other season in all my time watching the Rovers where one individual has been so key to our fortunes. And I'm not coming up with anything.

I get the argument for McIndoe in 03/04, but he was the final piece in the jigsaw. He turned a side that had bags of potential into absolute dominators. There were goals all through that side even without him. Blundell, Fortune-West, Brown, Akinfenwa and Green between them scored over 50 league goals in about 120 starts.

Take Molyneux out of this side and I'm struggling to see us having options for hurting opponents.
Colin Booth in 1962/63 I think it was. He was phenomenal for us, a real class or two above the rest.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: ForsolongaRover on April 19, 2025, 07:44:36 pm
I'm trying to think of any other season in all my time watching the Rovers where one individual has been so key to our fortunes. And I'm not coming up with anything.

I get the argument for McIndoe in 03/04, but he was the final piece in the jigsaw. He turned a side that had bags of potential into absolute dominators. There were goals all through that side even without him. Blundell, Fortune-West, Brown, Akinfenwa and Green between them scored over 50 league goals in about 120 starts.

Take Molyneux out of this side and I'm struggling to see us having options for hurting opponents.
Colin Booth in 1962/63 I think it was. He was phenomenal for us, a real class or two above the rest.


He came from First Division Nottingham Forest and I think he cost £40k which was a lot of money in the early 60s, but he scored a lot of goals for us.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: idler on April 19, 2025, 07:52:03 pm
He was brilliant in a poor to mediocre team. I think that he scored two in his debut away at Chesterfield in a 3-3 draw. Electric pace and a natural finisher.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: Prez on April 19, 2025, 07:59:17 pm
I'm trying to think of any other season in all my time watching the Rovers where one individual has been so key to our fortunes. And I'm not coming up with anything.

I get the argument for McIndoe in 03/04, but he was the final piece in the jigsaw. He turned a side that had bags of potential into absolute dominators. There were goals all through that side even without him. Blundell, Fortune-West, Brown, Akinfenwa and Green between them scored over 50 league goals in about 120 starts.

Take Molyneux out of this side and I'm struggling to see us having options for hurting opponents.

Ill thrown one in. Colin Cramb, 1996-97 season. Class player in an awful team. His goals was the difference for us staying up, albeit for one season after Uncle Ken threw his teddy out the pram.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: drfchound on April 19, 2025, 08:11:03 pm
I'm trying to think of any other season in all my time watching the Rovers where one individual has been so key to our fortunes. And I'm not coming up with anything.

I get the argument for McIndoe in 03/04, but he was the final piece in the jigsaw. He turned a side that had bags of potential into absolute dominators. There were goals all through that side even without him. Blundell, Fortune-West, Brown, Akinfenwa and Green between them scored over 50 league goals in about 120 starts.

Take Molyneux out of this side and I'm struggling to see us having options for hurting opponents.
Colin Booth in 1962/63 I think it was. He was phenomenal for us, a real class or two above the rest.

The first Rovers goal I ever saw was scored by Colin Booth.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: Chris Black come back on April 19, 2025, 08:12:36 pm
I'm trying to think of any other season in all my time watching the Rovers where one individual has been so key to our fortunes. And I'm not coming up with anything.

I get the argument for McIndoe in 03/04, but he was the final piece in the jigsaw. He turned a side that had bags of potential into absolute dominators. There were goals all through that side even without him. Blundell, Fortune-West, Brown, Akinfenwa and Green between them scored over 50 league goals in about 120 starts.

Take Molyneux out of this side and I'm struggling to see us having options for hurting opponents.

Ill thrown one in. Colin Cramb, 1996-97 season. Class player in an awful team. His goals was the difference for us staying up, albeit for one season after Uncle Ken threw his teddy out the pram.

Top, top player.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: selby on April 19, 2025, 08:15:00 pm
Colin Booth also came on as the substitute for England u23s when Alick Jeffrey broke his leg.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: drfchound on April 19, 2025, 08:31:14 pm
Colin Booth also came on as the substitute for England u23s when Alick Jeffrey broke his leg.

Is that right Brian.
I wasn’t aware that subs were allowed back then.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: Pancho Regan on April 19, 2025, 09:27:55 pm
What do we think we’d accept?
£1m?

He’s worth very close to that Dickos.
Alfie May cost Birmingham £800k.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: sedwardsdrfc on April 19, 2025, 09:37:42 pm
Someone will have to over pay for us to get 1m. This is L2 we’ve seen the standard here it’s not very good.

Someone with 1m to spend on a fee, before even taking about wage, has their pick of any out of contract players in L1 and then a whole host of L1 players not to mention reserve team players for prem/champ teams that aren’t quite ready but nonetheless have quality.

Don’t think there’s much risk of him been bought anyway he’s too expensive for most and the ones who can afford him have lots of options. Our main risk for leaving is Olowu so hopefully we’ve already got a deal ready if we go up.

Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: scawsby steve on April 19, 2025, 10:07:18 pm
When King Alick broke his leg, we dropped down the league table like a stone. When Ben Whiteman left, we dropped down the league table like a stone.

The same thing would have happened if Luke had been incapacitated this season. 
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: IDM on April 19, 2025, 10:13:05 pm
A player’s value isn’t necessarily about what division he is from, it’s also to do with what he can bring to a new club..

It’s why clubs like Birmingham with big bucks can pay big fees, because the subsequent promotion is worth it.  Never guaranteed of course..

The value therefore depends much upon what a buyer perceives they would get for their investment.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on April 19, 2025, 11:06:36 pm
I'm trying to think of any other season in all my time watching the Rovers where one individual has been so key to our fortunes. And I'm not coming up with anything.

I get the argument for McIndoe in 03/04, but he was the final piece in the jigsaw. He turned a side that had bags of potential into absolute dominators. There were goals all through that side even without him. Blundell, Fortune-West, Brown, Akinfenwa and Green between them scored over 50 league goals in about 120 starts.

Take Molyneux out of this side and I'm struggling to see us having options for hurting opponents.

Ill thrown one in. Colin Cramb, 1996-97 season. Class player in an awful team. His goals was the difference for us staying up, albeit for one season after Uncle Ken threw his teddy out the pram.

He was a decent player, but wasn't even the best player in that poor side. Darren Moore was miles better.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: Usher wide. on April 19, 2025, 11:10:13 pm
What do we think we’d accept?
£1m?

He’s worth very close to that Dickos.
Alfie May cost Birmingham £800k.

You do of course realise that Mols is over exceeding his underlying numbers Pancho?

Or is this you speaking with your very experienced scouting head on?

Just asking given your expertise in both formats (both Nationally & European wide I believe?).
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: Bentley Bullet on April 19, 2025, 11:12:26 pm
When King Alick broke his leg, we dropped down the league table like a stone. When Ben Whiteman left, we dropped down the league table like a stone.

The same thing would have happened if Luke had been incapacitated this season. 
I always think, when we sell a player, how much would he cost if we tried to buy him back the same day. The answer normally sums up how much you've been ripped off selling him.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: Pancho Regan on April 19, 2025, 11:49:31 pm
“He is far too good for the fourth tier”.

Not my words (due respect to Alan Partridge) but those of experienced sports journalist Leon Wobschall in today’s Yorkshire Post.

He may be under-performing his overlying numbers or over-performing his underlying numbers, or he may indeed just be a very good footballer.
Either way, Luke has been incredible for us this season and I’m so chuffed for him.

My brother and I were lucky enough to have lunch with Luke and Owen Bailey before the start of last season.
What a pleasure to spend time with two absolutely lovely guys.

And we enjoyed their company too….
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: DonnyOsmond on April 21, 2025, 05:37:19 pm
Now on 28 goals/assists, 2 off his 30 target.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: ChrisBx on April 21, 2025, 05:42:45 pm
His run for our 2nd today was superb.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: Prez on April 21, 2025, 05:44:08 pm
His run for our 2nd today was superb.

Absolute class so pleased for him, and to think some idiots were giving him abuse early on in the season. What a player he is.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: KingKendrick on April 21, 2025, 05:48:47 pm
It’s not just what he brings going forwards. Off the top of my head there was attempted cross down the side that moly tracked all the way back and flung his body at it to stop the ball coming in
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: RoversInSpain on April 21, 2025, 05:53:47 pm
His run for our 2nd today was superb.
And I’d probably add….That’s possibly the biggest understatement of the year. It’s was out of this world, and it gets better every time I see it. If we signed Billy for £1m after he’d been decent at Scunny and not quite made it at Sheff U all those years ago, Molyneux is worth £3m.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: Chris Black come back on April 21, 2025, 05:54:45 pm
He’s clearly a very, very effective player at this level but is equally not a £3m player.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: RoversInSpain on April 21, 2025, 05:56:52 pm
If he played for Peterborough he would be….
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: Donnybax on April 21, 2025, 06:03:25 pm
His run for our 2nd today was superb.
And I’d probably add….That’s possibly the biggest understatement of the year. It’s was out of this world, and it gets better every time I see it. If we signed Billy for £1m after he’d been decent at Scunny and not quite made it at Sheff U all those years ago, Molyneux is worth £3m.
Sharp had scored 53 goals in league one for scunny and then 15 for us in the championship. They are not comparable
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: PDX_Rover on April 21, 2025, 06:05:13 pm
If he played for Peterborough he would be….

True. Peterborough often sell players for multiple millions… Rovers have always undervalued players. Brian Deane for example…

Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: RoversInSpain on April 21, 2025, 06:15:22 pm
His run for our 2nd today was superb.
And I’d probably add….That’s possibly the biggest understatement of the year. It’s was out of this world, and it gets better every time I see it. If we signed Billy for £1m after he’d been decent at Scunny and not quite made it at Sheff U all those years ago, Molyneux is worth £3m.
Sharp had scored 53 goals in league one for scunny and then 15 for us in the championship. They are not comparable
Sharp scores goals, Molyneux scores and creates….he also tracks back getting great defensive tackles in, more valuable in my eyes
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: sedwardsdrfc on April 21, 2025, 06:28:22 pm
If he played for Peterborough he would be….

There is something in this. We need to get a reputation for developing talent to up the price
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: TonySoprano on April 21, 2025, 06:33:40 pm
1.75 mill up front, plus add ons, or we don't even answer the phone.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: Sprotyrover on April 21, 2025, 06:35:06 pm
If he played for Peterborough he would be….

True. Peterborough often sell players for multiple millions… Rovers have always undervalued players. Brian Deane for example…


There was a bung there!
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: RobTheRover on April 21, 2025, 06:37:14 pm
1.75 mill up front, plus add ons, or we don't even answer the phone.

How about we just dont answer the phone?
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: dickos1 on April 21, 2025, 07:31:11 pm
He’s clearly a very, very effective player at this level but is equally not a £3m player.

Not sure anyone has ever suggested he’s a 3m player
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: drfchound on April 21, 2025, 07:36:43 pm
His run for our 2nd today was superb.
And I’d probably add….That’s possibly the biggest understatement of the year. It’s was out of this world, and it gets better every time I see it. If we signed Billy for £1m after he’d been decent at Scunny and not quite made it at Sheff U all those years ago, Molyneux is worth £3m.

It was like watching George Best in his prime.
Believe it or not, the Mols hater near where I sit was criticising him right the way through the game.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: Donnybax on April 21, 2025, 07:40:17 pm
His run for our 2nd today was superb.
And I’d probably add….That’s possibly the biggest understatement of the year. It’s was out of this world, and it gets better every time I see it. If we signed Billy for £1m after he’d been decent at Scunny and not quite made it at Sheff U all those years ago, Molyneux is worth £3m.
Sharp had scored 53 goals in league one for scunny and then 15 for us in the championship. They are not comparable
Sharp scores goals, Molyneux scores and creates….he also tracks back getting great defensive tackles in, more valuable in my eyes
I think Sharp was 24 when we signed him permanently. Molyneux is 27 now. Sharp had scored lots of goal in the league above and Molyneux has never scored above league 2 level. To say that at that point in Sharps career that Molyneux is 3 times more valuable is honestly ridiculous.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: drfcsteve on April 21, 2025, 07:59:20 pm
Got to remember with his stats we tried shoehorning him in to a left wing back at one point.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: RoversInSpain on April 21, 2025, 08:00:22 pm
It’s not 3 times though is it? a £1m amount 15 years ago is possibly around £1.7m now, plus god know what agent fees have gone up etc, so £3m it is.
That’s Doncaster Rovers’ problem we under value and always have done. Everything is on camera now so it’s time Doncaster started getting tough transfer wise.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: drfcsteve on April 21, 2025, 08:44:36 pm
No one will buy him for £3m, he’ll just have to stay here!
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: RoversInSpain on April 21, 2025, 09:01:36 pm
Precisely
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: scawsby steve on April 21, 2025, 09:48:38 pm
Let's not make the same mistake as we made with Whiteman.

At 1.2 million, Preston had our f*cking trousers down.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: Donnyjim on April 21, 2025, 10:51:50 pm
Absolute class that second goal. If someone had done that in the premiership, Lineker et al, would be drooling over it for hours. Well done Luke and all the guys today one of the best performances I have seen at home for a while. #nearlythere
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: Plumbster on April 21, 2025, 11:38:32 pm
What I really liked about that second goal was that Luke resisted the temptation to go for glory and played it to someone in a better position- the fact that it was Gibson made it even better because the criticism he has received from some, myself included, has been OTT. We are not up yet but playing like that the squad rebuild needed for L1 would not be as major as it has looked for a lot of the season.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: Sammy Chung was King on April 21, 2025, 11:56:02 pm
You have to look at what it would cost to replace him and it wouldn’t be a straight replacement. It would probably be a slight change in how we play and it would take more than likely two players to do what he is at the minute.
I still think there is some improvement to come from him yet, unbelievable as that is.
I think he would be mad to leave us unless you are talking a top championship side.

His worth weighing up his age, his contributions this season, you have to be talking two million plus. Not many clubs would pay that for him, they would want him on the cheap. Probably less than a million. No way should we sell him for that type of money.

We need to be looking to add more around him that can also contribute goals and assists, so the pressure isn’t just on him.
He plays with a nice freedom and seems to be enjoying it with us. In football that is a big thing.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: ravenrover on April 22, 2025, 09:13:41 am
His run for our 2nd today was superb.
And I’d probably add….That’s possibly the biggest understatement of the year. It’s was out of this world, and it gets better every time I see it. If we signed Billy for £1m after he’d been decent at Scunny and not quite made it at Sheff U all those years ago, Molyneux is worth £3m.

It was like watching George Best in his prime.
Believe it or not, the Mols hater near where I sit was criticising him right the way through the game.
calm down now Hound you're getting a little giddy now George Best in his prime!
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: drfchound on April 22, 2025, 09:19:22 am
His run for our 2nd today was superb.
And I’d probably add….That’s possibly the biggest understatement of the year. It’s was out of this world, and it gets better every time I see it. If we signed Billy for £1m after he’d been decent at Scunny and not quite made it at Sheff U all those years ago, Molyneux is worth £3m.

It was like watching George Best in his prime.
Believe it or not, the Mols hater near where I sit was criticising him right the way through the game.
calm down now Hound you're getting a little giddy now George Best in his prime!

Haha, perhaps I was but for that one moment in time there was a look about him.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: Avsuptem on April 22, 2025, 09:49:49 pm
His run for our 2nd today was superb.
And I’d probably add….That’s possibly the biggest understatement of the year. It’s was out of this world, and it gets better every time I see it. If we signed Billy for £1m after he’d been decent at Scunny and not quite made it at Sheff U all those years ago, Molyneux is worth £3m.

It was like watching George Best in his prime.
Believe it or not, the Mols hater near where I sit was criticising him right the way through the game.
calm down now Hound you're getting a little giddy now George Best in his prime!

Haha, perhaps I was but for that one moment in time there was a look about him.

I agree.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: Donnyjim on April 22, 2025, 10:05:53 pm
To top it off me and the lad got on the Gibson pic.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: scawsby steve on April 23, 2025, 05:33:53 pm
To top it off me and the lad got on the Gibson pic.

You're better looking than me, Jim.

Mind you, so was Arthur Mullard.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: roversdude on April 23, 2025, 07:26:27 pm
When is the EFL player of the season announced surely it has to be Luke
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: DonnyBazR0ver on April 23, 2025, 07:46:21 pm
These two think so too. A good listen.

https://youtu.be/DkE6qDOqhAY?si=QxOM_zkWf2DX2o6x

Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: monkeytennis on April 23, 2025, 11:19:17 pm
What I really liked about that second goal was that Luke resisted the temptation to go for glory and played it to someone in a better position- the fact that it was Gibson made it even better because the criticism he has received from some, myself included, has been OTT. We are not up yet but playing like that the squad rebuild needed for L1 would not be as major as it has looked for a lot of the season.

Exactly what I said to my son. The run was great but the decision making was the cherry on top.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: Pancho Regan on April 24, 2025, 11:56:50 am
These two think so too. A good listen.

https://youtu.be/DkE6qDOqhAY?si=QxOM_zkWf2DX2o6x

A good listen indeed DBR, those two guys know their stuff.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: craigdrfc on April 24, 2025, 04:44:51 pm
Anyone else think Luke might come in for some ‘rough house’ treatment against these on Saturday?
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: Copps is Magic on April 24, 2025, 05:32:11 pm
Most teams have doubled up on him this season. It's been a fairly effective tactic. Up to the other players to take responsibility.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on April 24, 2025, 05:52:53 pm
Most teams have doubled up on him this season. It's been a fairly effective tactic. Up to the other players to take responsibility.

It was astonishing that neither Tranmere nor Colchester set out to neutralise Molyneux. You wonder whether some managers every research their opponents.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: idler on April 24, 2025, 06:01:52 pm
Alexander says that they won’t target him as we have other good players to worry about.
Even in amateur level you pay more attention to the better players.
It might just be paper talk.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: Monkcaster_Rover on April 24, 2025, 06:56:05 pm
Think we’ve got a job as fans to get on the referees back soon as Luke gets inevitably wired. Put some pressure on him to whip cards out.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: jmt23 on April 24, 2025, 07:03:06 pm
It would be the ideal game to continually switch Luke and Jordan to keep them thinking and move their players were they may not want to be.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: drfchound on April 24, 2025, 07:41:53 pm
There is little doubt that Mols will,get the rough treatment from Bradford and they will be trying to intimidate him.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: Sprotyrover on April 24, 2025, 08:41:59 pm
They need to intimidate a few more too!
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: CJK on April 24, 2025, 08:50:07 pm
Most teams have doubled up on him this season. It's been a fairly effective tactic. Up to the other players to take responsibility.

It was astonishing that neither Tranmere nor Colchester set out to neutralise Molyneux. You wonder whether some managers every research their opponents.

I couldn't believe they left him 1 v 1 a lot of the time. I thought Cowleys would have singled him out for an early hard challenge. Luckily, with our early goal  we didn't get to see the usual Cowley play book.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: les@donr on April 24, 2025, 10:27:15 pm
Could be the same against Bradford.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: DonnyBazR0ver on April 24, 2025, 11:07:17 pm
I think Luke has improved over time how he contributes. He's prepared to change things around with his positioning so if he's not getting much joy wide, he'll come inside. Either way if he has a relatively quiet game he'll do the mucky stuff for the team, tracking back etc. He's no longer the one trick pony he sometimes used to be.

More recently, with the advent of Street plus Sterry being more adventurous, we have more strings to our bow so shutting down Moly isn't as damaging to us as it was.

V Colchester we saw the unselfish Moly delivering his bast Cross of the season, then the cute lay off for Gibson. That's a player showing high intelligence.

I hope he continues with that and doesn't try too hard to force things when we have lost our composure at times.

Bradford can't double up in him all game as they have to think about their own game by pushing their full backs forward and hope they'll force Moly to defend more than attack.

Intriguing tactical battle ahead.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: Avsuptem on April 24, 2025, 11:43:14 pm
Alexander says that they won’t target him as we have other good players to worry about.
Even in amateur level you pay more attention to the better players.
It might just be paper talk.

Exactly ! If you believe that Graham Alexander gobshite you would believe anything. They will target him early on, let's hope it leads to a Bradford City player being sent off.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: andyst79 on April 25, 2025, 10:14:37 am
Alexander says that they won’t target him as we have other good players to worry about.
Even in amateur level you pay more attention to the better players.
It might just be paper talk.

Exactly ! If you believe that Graham Alexander gobshite you would believe anything. They will target him early on, let's hope it leads to a Bradford City player being sent off.
I'd spring a suprise and start him down the left for the 1st 10/15 minutes, Bradford will definitely have a game plan to try and deal with him so would cause a bit of confusion for them.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: Metalmicky on April 25, 2025, 10:20:18 am
I'd spring a suprise and start him down the left for the 1st 10/15 minutes, Bradford will definitely have a game plan to try and deal with him so would cause a bit of confusion for them.

That would pit him against Halliday...... which would be interesting.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: Ian Nimmo on April 25, 2025, 11:04:15 am
I’m sure Grant will be thinking of potential formations, so we could see a different start to the game.
It’s likely Bradford will have watched the start to the Colchester game, over and over in detail, because we did really create the win from the start.
My fear will be the way they will approach the start with what is likely to be a number of hefty challenges.
Let’s face we have seen it all before from this manager, still in my head are those horrendous challenges, seem to remember 3 or 4, at their place which put two of our players out for many months. I do believe it led to the demise early ending of Ben’s career with us. At that point Ben was playing really well and the young lad from Bolton had started to look promising.
Let’s just hope we have a very strong ref, rather than the majority of very weak ref we have experienced this season.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: andyst79 on April 25, 2025, 05:07:32 pm
I'd spring a suprise and start him down the left for the 1st 10/15 minutes, Bradford will definitely have a game plan to try and deal with him so would cause a bit of confusion for them.

That would pit him against Halliday...... which would be interesting.
Hurst had plenty of joy down that side at Valley Parade this season, don't think Halliday started the game though.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: les@donr on April 26, 2025, 08:25:42 am
Ross Joyce from Middlesbrough is the ref., Bradford fans say he favours them. The stats say he has referred more wins for us than for Bradford. We shall know not too long now.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: GazLaz on October 14, 2025, 04:01:23 pm
What is peoples perspective of value for Molyneux now?
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: roversdude on October 14, 2025, 05:17:57 pm
Definitely don’t think he’s become a bad player but is very much a confidence player
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: Spud on October 14, 2025, 05:32:04 pm
Didn't he suffer a dip in form for a while last season too? He'll bounce back again.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: Fal on October 14, 2025, 06:53:45 pm
Didn't he suffer a dip in form for a while last season too? He'll bounce back again.

Yes, roughly around the same time too
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: mpc123 on October 14, 2025, 07:08:35 pm
Didn't he suffer a dip in form for a while last season too? He'll bounce back again.

Yes, roughly around the same time too

Yes he did and will bounce back. Just needs support to do so. None of these are bad players. Its a collective issue at the moment, GM will sort and we will be back on track again. Because we are around mid table to dream of poss play offs, there will be more dips and more losses. LM is a very good player on top form. Keep behind him, keep supporting him amd he will come out of it

Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: German Rover on October 14, 2025, 08:35:25 pm
I'm trying to think of any other season in all my time watching the Rovers where one individual has been so key to our fortunes. And I'm not coming up with anything.

I get the argument for McIndoe in 03/04, but he was the final piece in the jigsaw. He turned a side that had bags of potential into absolute dominators. There were goals all through that side even without him. Blundell, Fortune-West, Brown, Akinfenwa and Green between them scored over 50 league goals in about 120 starts.

Take Molyneux out of this side and I'm struggling to see us having options for hurting opponents.

Rob Jones, 2012/13.?

Yeah, the team was built in his image. But he was the Capo di Tutti Capi Mester in a team full of Mesters.


Jones scored a last minute winner away at Stevenage in his typical style - barnstorming his way to head home.



Still tell my kids about this goal. possibly my favourite Rovrs goal of all time.
Title: Re: Luke Molyneux
Post by: Usher wide. on October 15, 2025, 12:04:35 am
What is peoples perspective of value for Molyneux now?

£1.25 million.

I’ve added the £.25 on because of your poor grammar.